The show on the left (UN / ROOTED) was canceled. Canceled because of the virus. This is a story of restraint.

About a month ago myself, Dao Strom, and Danielle Frandina met at The Chapel Theater. All three of us were excited for the show, all three of us contributed time, effort, and money to put the show together. On that day I could tell the news of the virus was weighing on Dao, and Danielle. I could tell the show was in jeopardy, and I didn't like it. We left the meeting hoping for the best, and a "lets wait and see what happens" kind of attitude.

Within two days that NBA player announced he was positive for the virus, and people started buying toilet paper, and the hysteria was in full swing. Then one of the performers canceled. It was the beginning of the end for the show. I felt defiant, unafraid, and angry. I expressed my feelings that the show must go on, and we should not give in to the fear. My views were considered, but ultimately majority ruled, and we canceled the show. I have a lot of respect for Dao, Danielle and all the performers. I bit my tongue, and tried to keep my passive aggressive nature at a minimum (you'll have to ask them how I did).

That night  I started having these thoughts, and bad ideas. I thought I might try and ask the venue if I could put together another show, and salvage that date. I knew how I'd show all those pansies, how I'd show that fear driven, hysterical bunch of folks. I would have a show and call it "I'm not afraid of the virus" show. I hoped that Dao and Danielle would see the show on facebook, and know that I wasn't afraid, and I was not going to be told what to do. I would stand steely eyed and look this god forsaken virus right in the eye. Spitting unflinching right in its face. Then I would post on facebook how I was going to play  a show with my band GRAND HEAD on friday night, and I was going to go out to lunch with my nephew, and the rest of my family (my 77 year old mother included.) Then all of us were going to the movies. I hoped the message would be clear : I'm not weak, I'm strong. I'm right, you're wrong.

This is where the restraint comes in. Instead of doing any of those selfish, childish, inconsiderate careless things, I just went to bed. Maybe I'd get to it tomorrow. In the morning I got up for work, and still felt disappointed. The fire had cooled a bit though, and I intuitively felt I needed to keep quiet. i had a little more of a grasp. Then, as sanity cam back, things started to happen. 

I was listening to the radio that morning and heard that the NBA player that tested positive had been making a big joke of the virus. He'd been touching all the reporters microphones, and, well, trying to look the virus in the eye and spit in its face. Now he looked like a real jackass. I thought man that's me, I'm that jackass. Then the show I was going to brag about playing (GRAND HEAD) was canceled. Then my nephews birthday plans got canceled (he's in Washington).  What was I trying to prove? What if somehow my behavior ended causing someone to get the virus? How about giving my own mother the virus? Not feeling like much of a tough guy now. The lesson started to take hold, and I was glad somehow I found some self restraint. There's a great saying it goes: You're responsible for your second thought and your first action.

The show will be rescheduled and all will be good. I hope to see you there.   

On March 21st I'll team up with Dao Strom for the above mixed media show. The concept started as writers who also play music. Then it grew to having writers collaborate with musicians. And now it settles on a little hodge podge of everything.

I will be playing a new song and reading selected parts of "Uncle" from my book. Dao (who helped me edit the book) will also do a selection of reading and a song. We going to try and overlay each other and also add texture to each others readings. Looking forward to the whole night. Please come out and support the art at this neighborhood venue.